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Post by Jamirae on Jan 12, 2016 12:02:45 GMT -5
"Dolls will be cozy and stylish in a sweet sweater, leggings, and boots—plus fun accessories to layer on!"
Priced at a whopping $54 dolls for both the $30 outfit which includes the sweater, leggings and boots but needing another $24 for the cute matching hat, vest and fingerless gloves, didn't look like this was going to make it to my house.
But it was a 30% off Daily Deal item before Christmas bringing the cost with tax to about $40 and with Costco gift cards, that came to $32, which made me take a second look especially seeing it in person at the Natick store with my Jasper, 53, who wanted it immediately for Christmas. How could I not?
The sweater is very pretty, subtle chevron knit that gives just enough texture, and vibrants colors of purple orange and coral. The sweater angles at the hem. My only complaint about this piece is that is should be a little bit longer even if worn with jeans and regular pants. With those leggings, I think it's nearly a necessity to look "right". I know the look for little girls are those tight leggings with short tops, but I don't think it looks very good unless the bottom wear is of a substantial fabric, and these lilac are on the thin side, unlike the heavier gray ones that came with the 2013 Frosty Fair Isle set. So points off for the sweater length and the thin leggings.
The boots are adorable. I am so glad that AG did something different with the footwear. These could have been, might have been just another pair of lilac or purple boots, the way they have added footwear in teh past, but these have sweet knit panels for the sole and sides that match the Accessories hat and gloves and play off the colors of the sweater. Something a little bit special, though might be a little limiting on mixing and matching. I'll take it.
The Accessory set really completes this outfit and for all the little dings I give the outfit, had the hat, vest and gloves been included for say $36 for this outfit, I'd give it an A+. But they are $24. A versatile quilted look with lavender lilac fleece lining purple vest that can close with velcro is ever so versatile. The hat and gloves are a ski knit, and though an unfavorite lavender lilac (Personal bias here) color is dominent, it does make for a perfect ensemble without too much matchy matc. I like this outfit despite not liking lilacs and particularly lavender because the bold colors of the sweater and the orange and purple accents in the hat/gloves/boots take over.
Yes, Jasper loves the outfit and it looks adorable on her. If I could sew better I'd add an inch to the hem of the sweater in an orange or coral to make this outfit an A+, but as is I give it an A- at my price, B- at the Daily Deal price, with a C- for the original pricing. Too expensive, AG, and you know it, having to discount this thing 30% on your first day of Christmas discounts in its first season. This is one to watch if you can snag it on sale.
Anyone with photos of this, please add to this thread. I can text or email photos of sweet Jasper wearing this, if someone offers to post for me.
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Post by Jamirae on Jul 22, 2015 10:24:33 GMT -5
"Help her doll feel her best in this plush aqua robe! It has a shimmery contrasting collar, cuffs, and belt tie. The pockets are snug and toasty, and the back has a pretty embroidered graphic. Includes two pink hairbands to hold her hair back while she’s having spa treatments."
I'm just guessing that this was first offered last year. I ordered it when it went on sale this year to bring an order up to the requisite $100 point. I am so glad I did so.
It's a light, soft, cuddly robe. Exactly what I like. The color is a pale aqua that matches Grace, GOTY15's PJs exactly. Love the detailing. Wish there had been something to keep the belt tie in place as it can get separated. . I give it an A-, with the minus due to no loops for the belt tie.
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Post by Jamirae on Jul 2, 2015 11:53:41 GMT -5
I love this outfit. Goes well with the City Outfit which I also adore. Those are my favorite pieces of Grace's wardrobe.
I mostly agree with all that has been said. I like the black white striped top. If the bow is a bit too much, it can be snipped and a little safety pin added to the back of the bow for when you want use it and get more versatility from the outfit that way. I've done this with the PWP Berry Sweater/Black Skirt outfit from last winter and will likely do the same for the little black bow on Grace's skirt. Then one can mix and match these bows too! The sparkle and lace add something special to a very basic tee. Love the 3/4 length sleeves. I also really like where the neckline hits the dolls. Give the top an A+
The skirt is very nice as well. Could have been a bit more opaque so that Grace's pink panties did not show through, but I still give it an A.
I like the shoes, too. An A there. Nothing about the outfit to dislike on my part.
I actually concocted a similar outfit from an older JLY top with navy and white stripes and an OG skirt--Isabelle's white tutu might work as well. I added a red OG belt to the outfit and red shoes and was good to go, but decided I wanted the official Grace version as well. For $30, it's priced about right. No deal, but value there, IMO. I was pleasantly surprised with the price after what AG priced a lot of Grace's things, including wardrobe pieces.
A to A+ grade on this one.
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Post by Jamirae on Jun 25, 2015 21:19:43 GMT -5
"Her Truly Me™ doll can show her unique style with this fun outfit. It features a pink honeycomb-knit sweater with raglan sleeves, a turquoise French terry skirt with topstitching and silvery studs, and funky blue boots with coral laces."
I knew I wanted this the instant I saw it in the Pinterest previews. Don't usually like sparkly things but ice pink with silver works, and sparkle is the them for TM this season.
Nice sweater with a pretty knit pattern and a tiny faux metal plate at the bottom of it with "American Girl" etched on it looks very nice. Much classier than the usual trademarks. The neck scooped a bit lower than I like but that means a lot of tee shirts will show a bit if worn under the sweater. This pale pink works well with a lot of the TM fashions Both the rasperry and gray full skirts as well as the TM meet outfit will work well with this sweater. It's a new color introduced in there but it blends beautifully. GOTY Grace could incorporate this well in her wardrobe too. The quality is excellent and the fit is too. I give it the highest marks.
The skirt is a teal, IMO, more than a turquoise and, again a new color is being brought into the picture that can work well with the season's offerings. Nothing that special, but a good basic piece for mix and match with some nice details rather than a plain old skirt.
The boots are a darkish periwinkle blue with what they say are coral laces, but they are close to a bright pink. I'm more into matchy-match, but this works with the outfit and the shoes are a great addition to the dolls' wardrobe. Something quite different. I'm not crazy about the style but am glad to have them.
An A for the set, nearly an A+ with the sweater garnering that A+ with no problem Highly recommend it, especially if you are buying some TM pieces this season.
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Post by Jamirae on Jun 24, 2015 15:16:30 GMT -5
I bought this outfit when it went on half price sale. But I just can't reconcile Samantha wearing it. Nellie, maybe, but I don't have here or want her.
I was a teenager in the early 70s and there was a short period of time that knickers came in (and I guess back out). Sears or Penney's or some other catalogue giant offered these pretty goldish peach knickers with a striped turtleneck sweater in the same color. with socks and some neat two toned shoes, they were like the big thing among the cool girls at the school, which I was not, so I did not get. These knickers remind me of that, and I'm going to do something with them with either a 70s dolls or even a modern one. The blouse is all 70s and when I first saw it in an Ebay lot, I was sure it was Julie's I'm still flabbergastered that this is Samantha's outfit. I'm beginning to reconcile the fact that her new things mostly do not mesh well with the archived Samantha's wardrobe, at least in my opinion. But this piece is a true outlier in my mind.
I personally did not like the set, from the shoes to the hat, and though it was nice to include the ribbon, it didn't work well for me with the set for some reason. I give this set a C- and would not have purchased it full price or even for a discount less than the 50% one I got. The only piece I liked was the blouse which I give an A-, the minus because i think that neckline could have been done better. It doesn't hit the dolls in the most flattering way, though the blouse itself is very pretty. ISO of other bottoms to work with the skirt.
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Post by Jamirae on Jun 22, 2015 13:46:00 GMT -5
"Her Truly Me™ doll can sparkle with style in this outfit:
A long–sleeved tee printed with colorful stars and accented with sequins and glitterA crinkle–fabric gray skirt that has a comfy knit waistband with a bit of glitter, too! Her favorite pair of purple slouchy ankle boots, with studs just for kicks"
I got this outfit with the generous WS code--wasn't really crazy about it. But it along with the new Love to Layer accessories, the old meet outfit and some store specials (skirts and tees) on sale, one can put together a "rocking" outfit for the dolls.
The skirt is a light gray skirt with lavender waist rope trim. Sounds familiar, like the old meet skirt, but this has a crepe like double layer with those crinkles on it and the little tie at the waist, which is really untied is subtle, not like the mass of pink rope-age that the gray meet skirt had. I like it, can be worn with ever so much, dressier and with more pizzaz than the old meet skirt that I rather liked as a basic wardrobe piece.
The tee is long sleeved with a turquoise print, some clear sequins and a bit of pin sparkle stars. The lilac is really more orchid in shade. Cute enough and again versatile. Will work with the upcoming (at this time) Sparkle Sweater set skirt
I'm not into purple shoes and I don't much see those purple fabric like slouch boots, but if they are the style, here they are. At least not another pair of ballet flats, and I have enough of those in every color to switch these out.
For mix and match, these are great. $28, a bit high, but at 10% off if you can get or with free shipping, worth adding as a wardrobe piece for most any modern doll or in the common wardrobe trunk for all to share.
I give this set an A.
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Post by Jamirae on Jun 11, 2015 20:49:22 GMT -5
I would have skipped this coat if it weren't for the deal I got on it. One coat alone just isn't worth $28. It's not lined, it's not that special. Not worth the full price. Oh, and IMO, it isn't the best look or color for Grace. But my Miri, a modern MG doll shines in it. The aqua color really makes those aqua/teal eyes of hers sparkle, IMO. So Grace doesn't get her own coat.
I give it a C. I'd be surprised if AG Sells all of these. They should have added some accessoy and bumped the price up a bit.
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Post by Jamirae on Jun 11, 2015 20:40:57 GMT -5
"School spirit can shine through with this accessories set! This cropped white jacket and cable-knit hat are perfect for wearing on the way to class. An embroidered purse is perfect for carrying essentials like an Innerstar University™ library card and three faux dollars for buying snacks.'
Never bothered to buy this set despite how long it has been around and how many True Spirit Outfits I've collected. I am so glad to get this at the 11th hour. That it was on sale made it sweeter.
The jacket is white jean jacket that I did not feel went well with the TS Meet outfit, and I already had Lanie's white jacket, was the main reason for not getting this. But with as many dolls as I have, i think there are plenty of dolls and outfits that look terrific in it, including GOTY15 Grace, who snapped it right up.
The lilac purse is pretty full already with a too big AG tag, and I don't like the color, nor does it match anything of Grace's or of the TS Meet, so off it goes for the new 2015 TM meet outfit where lilac is the color scheme. Cute purse. The library card and the $3 are nice touches to any purse.
The knit hat is a 10 out of 10 for Grace and goes well with the TM Layer Up Accessory Tutu. The color is vibrant, love it.
I'm glad I got this outfit. I think $28 is a bit much for it, however. around $25 makes it a go. Give it B, because a larger differently colored purse, and larger would have brought it up in the ratings and the price is a bit high for what one gets, but a better deal than Grace's Welocme and Parisian accessories IMO which are priced even higher.
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Post by Jamirae on Jun 11, 2015 20:28:06 GMT -5
"Your girl can mix and match styles for her Truly Me™ doll! Includes:
A moto–style vest that’s made for layering, with an asymmetrical zipper front, a cool stand–up collar, and screen–print “badges” A flouncy mesh skirt with an elastic waistband and an attached bow—add it to any outfit for a whole new look! A sparkle–bow headband to add flair to her hairThree colorful hair clipsSix bright ponytail holders"
I admittedly only ordered these accessories because I got them so inexpensively. $5 off the $28 price tag for buying with a doll and then 20% off of that came to about $18 and then paying with 20% gift cards brought the price down to under $15. However, after seeing the pieces, I have to say that they are worth the $23 cost with the doll. Not sure about the full $28.
The tutu is a rich raspberry color and complements a number of outfits. Terrific for mix and match. Love the color, love the silver trim. It's particularly a win with Grace's Tee shirt. It really makes Grace sparkle. The jacket vest is not at all a style I like, but it works well, surprisingly to me. Also great for Grace. Should have been her meet accessory.
Even without the TM new meet outfit, there are plenty of things to go with this outfit. The store special tees are a great match, the gray and lilac ones and they are on sale right now. I see a lot of possibilities for this ensemble, and they do not include the meet outfit to which they are supposed to be accessories.
Also included is a little goodie bag with a gold hair band and other hair things for the doll. But but I don't think it goes with the outfit. Silver would have been a better choice, but I'm very matchy match, something that AG does try to move away from, mixing it up with some color combos startling to me. So for those who like that, great. But even if not, it's a nice extra to use for any number of outfits.
I give this a 10 despite my personal preferences. It's the best TM, MyAG meet accessory that has come out while I was collecting AG.
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Post by Jamirae on Jun 11, 2015 20:13:41 GMT -5
Brighton Grace arrived today. Some disappointment on my part because she did not immediately enchant me as I had hoped she would. Josefina mold dolls tend to have a far away look, I've noticed and this doll has that look. If I don't bond with her by the time I take her to get her ears pierced, I may look through the Graces at the store for an exchange. She also has thinner hair than I had hoped. No flaws, however. Notably, her face paint is no darker nor brighter than any of my other dolls. In fact, I may add a bit because I think it does enhance her looks. Some of my boys have naturally dark lips, and so I don't think it's something necessarily made up. A dusting of the cheeks may also happen.
I like her meet outfit despite the hackneyed Eiffel Tower and Paris logo. It's subtle enough. The skirt is cute and versatile enough, and I adore the boots. Would have been on the hunt for them if I'd not gotten the doll.
She really shone in the new TM Meet accessory layers. The deeper color of that raspberry tutu really enhances her coloring and is a great match with the teeshirt that does have subtle silver glitter and raspberry sparkle lines. All jump out with the silver trim of the tutu and the rich color of the skirt. The pale pink of her beret and meet skirt really do not do Grace justice. The navy of the vest in the TM layer set is also a winner for Grace. I don't like the style much, but have to say it looks good on her. I also favor her in the True Spirit beret that works well with that tutu.
She is very different looking, mainly because of her freckles and unique wig, when I put her among my other dolls, and I feel I want a Grace doll in my collection.
I give the Grace doll concept a 9 out of 10, but my match with the doll right now is hovering at the 6 level. I'm going to give it some time.
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Post by Jamirae on May 31, 2015 18:36:39 GMT -5
I bought this outfit right now because it is LE and last year's counterpart, the Sunny Isle Outfit did sell out rather than going on sale. I am so glad that I did so. I love this outfit though I do not like the $30 price tag it has. However, if that's the price that has to be set for such adorable clothes for the AG dolls, I'll pay it. I had a $10 of $100 coupon code to sweeten the deal just a tad.
I'd originally hesitated buying this because the hoodie seemed so much like the BrightStipes jacket and the Mix and Match Hoodie (the one with the orange skinny jeans), both of which I have, but the mango, peach, apricot, soft orange color of this sweet hoodie is truly one of a kind and works well with a lot of AG pants and is flattering to just about any doll. I 'd love one for myself. Easy to put on the doll, it is flat out lovely. I give it a 10 out of 10, A+, one of my favorite AG pieces. It does have a small flamingo applique, that is subtle enough that someone like me who does not like flamingo prints and such, can like it. Just a sweet touch, that does enhance the perceived quality of the hoodie.
The shorts could have been better if they had been embroidered in the back as well as the front, and I would have preferred them to have been hemmed rather than lightly fringed, but they still are adorable. It works. And with a number of tops. Love the shorts despite the shortcoming and my prefernce.
The sandals are superb, one of the best of the kind that I've seen AG do. I would have had something white or orange and less fancy, but they are a great piece to have in the dolls' shoe wardrobe so I am not complaining in the least. I have plenty of plainer sandals and shoes, and in fact, the OG Tweed'll Do shoes will go well with the hood. perfect color match. The sandals are an A+.
It is fitting that my sweet Gwen, long neglected, ended up with this outfit though anyone would have looked ever so sweet in it.
I ended up buying the current PWP with this to get over the $100 mark and am delighted to say that the two pieces of that wet suit outfit mix and match well with this outfit. Very pretty.
An A--taking away for the embroidery not continued to the back of the shorts. The other things are personal preferences, so I won't detract. I highly recommend this outfit.
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Post by Jamirae on May 31, 2015 17:56:10 GMT -5
I wanted the outfit the instant I laid eyes on it. Tried to get it when AG had the $10 off $50 sale but the NYC was out of stock. So last week, I went to the store with a $10 off $100 code and bought this.
My sweater is immaculate. Hopefully, it does not snag easily. It does not appear to. I could not find a flaw in it and my #25, Cara looks terrific in it. She may claim it as she has a JG red Paris screen print tee that she is wearing with the shorts right now.
I was disappointed in the quality of the shorts, though they look great. Lots of loose threads. Not the usual AG quality, IMO.
Hate the shoes, but knew this up front. They look like Bitty shoes to me and I don't like that shade of pink with the shade of red in the outfit. So into the general shoe bin they go. My younger dolls will find use for them. I have Cara in Grace's Pink Opening Night dress sandals with the outfit, but black boots and tights can be added to the outfit for cooler weather. I think I have some black and white tennis shoes too. The bowed hairband is also pink and red, and will be used for some other outfit. A black, white, red, or silver hairband is a better match, IMO for this outfit.
I really like this outfit, so I hate detracting points due to the workmanship of the shorts and the pink shoes and headband. Would buy it despite the flaws and despite it high price tag, as most of Grace's outfits are pricey. Even at 10% off, it's a $30+ item. I give it a B in total grade, but it's a personal A+ in that I would have bought it even with the issues I've noted. It's a fresh, different look in the AG fare, I think.
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Post by Jamirae on Apr 30, 2015 20:10:07 GMT -5
I did not like the dress, even though all indications were that I would other than my feeling that the plaid was scaled too big for the doll. The colors are vibrant and Addy looks wonderful in them. I just wish the dress were a little bit fuller and the cut of the neck just a bit higher. I think the ribbon around the waist does make it look better; good idea onemoredoll. The apron is a welcome addition to my Addy's wardrobe. Looks nice with her lilac dress and blue dress as well as the blue plaid stilting dress. Love the purple trim. I got this outfit for $38 which I felt was a fair price with the accessories. Not crazy about the boots, but appreciate the socks being included. Very tight fit for my older PM Addys. The pincushion; I wish AG had made it more real, as well as the scissors and the tape measure (I wish it were scaled to the doll not us). But they are cute additions to the outfit. I like this outfit a lot more than the last pinafored outfit, the light pink plaid several years ago, except for the boots. I think that this is my favorite of the SE outfits released. I give it a B overall, because I think AG could have made this a bit better for their full ask price.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 28, 2015 13:58:18 GMT -5
Oh, yes, I'd been waiting for this dress, since it was released. Too pricey for me at $30, but I do love the look and the color. So at 20% off, I decided to go for it, even though $24 was my target price for it.
Got it at the same timea as the Pretty Pink Outfit that was released with the dress. The two dresses have been paired in AG displays for a year now. My bias has alway been for this dress despite its one major flaw, IMO. The straps and neckline of this dress are not as well positioned as they could be to hide vinyl cloth transitions on the dolls, and, to me, that is the most unattractive part of the AG dolls. I think better planning and workmanship could have done a lot to fit the dolls in a more flattering way around the top, but...we have what AG put together.
The tucks and gathers are well done on this dress and teh double bow highlight is very nice. Love the shade of blue. THough with a more fitted bodice than the high waisted Sapphire Party Dress from 2008, this dress is reminiscent of that dress in its shoulder straps and general look, and I suspect the silver turtleneck would look better under this dress. Simplicity always looks classy when well executed, and AG did its job on the dress. If it weren't for the danged cut of the straps and the arm area, I'd give this dress an A+, but too much cloth showing for my likings drops it to an A and the neckline that could be a smidgeon better to an A-. Given that I am biased towards the dress, it's probably a fair score.
Sandals a bit darker blue than the dress, but close and are simple and sweet. Give them an A. The satin covered hairband with it's "gem" and just a bit off tulle, another A, for match, scale and looks. A bit off the score for the pricing of a sleeveless sundress, in essence, with simple sandals for the pricepoint of $30, but that is where the full prices are.
I give the outfit a solid "A" grade.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 28, 2015 13:35:13 GMT -5
This dress is not to my liking, and it took a sale for me to go for it. Thought of it more as an everyday dress rather than something fancy or dressy, mainly because of the tee shirt fabriced top and the screen printed graphic on it. BUt the dress, once in hand, and carefully examined, is truly a very intricately made piece, with a lot of detailing and extras.
Too bad the drop waist bodice is what grabs one's attntion because despite the inset tiny rhinestones and multi colored screen print ths is a definite cut above the usual fare, the casual glance sees a casual look. It is, after all, made out of tee shirt fabric. But the skirt is layered with satin and a sweet floral print (that AG really should have highlighted more). The other surprise is that the dress has a bow in the back made of the same fabric print. I wish AG had somehow faniced up the bodice, the front of the dress more and tied it in with that sweet floral print. But this is the style, and the dress has not done too badly at all, from all indications. The price break was less than 20% on this.
The sandals are a cute, double strpped across the top of the foot with douple bows, and are a pepto bismol pink that is not obnoxious as foot wear. I 'd have preferred an eggshell pale pink or ice pink, but this does dress down the frock so that it is more versatile, IMO. It also comes with a beaded bracelet to fancy things up.
Finding a necklace (equally out of scale--a person's bracelet) and headband to go with the outfit was quite easy and gives it a big lift. For fancy wear, I think it needs that.
So I give the dress a B+ with the + for the surprising details, and also to compensate for the fact that it is not to my personal taste.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 28, 2015 12:52:38 GMT -5
$38 for this dress, headband and sandals. For that price, it had better be a mighty fine dress with stellar accessories. This started out as full priced splurge for my sweet Truly (46), but I immediately returned the dress when an in-store $10 off $50 deal was offered the same day my package arrived. To buy this dress full price at the AGNYC store means laying out over $40 with tax. For the same price, one can get one of the BF Special Edition sets. Does this measure up?
Nope. Not IMO. It is a very pretty dress, more tightly put together than other pink AG dresses,notably Samantha's (meet and Frilly Frock) and Kit's (Easter dress), all pink dresses. But then, this is a modern dress, and so a little extra sophistication is expected, one would think. It will look good on most any doll and fits nicely, good quality, good workmanship, and can be worn by the more sophisticated "older" doll as well as a little girl doll which my sweet Truly is. The black velvet dress jacket from 2013 holiday wear would be perfect with this dress. Nice layers, nice fabrics, sequins, tulle, the whole thing to make this a very special wear dress. My Truly is very spoiled. It's a shorter length than many of AG's dresses and does have a very trim fit to it. It makes any doll look terrific.
The hair band is nothing special, just tulle put on a satin covered head band. The sandals, I like a lot. the best of Graces' footwear to come with her outfits, other than her boots. But this is not a $38 ensemble. I'm embarrassed that I validated this pricing with my full price order of it. I think adding some semi sheer tights either in a frost, ice pink or black would have taken the edge off the cost, though it would have still stung, and I'd have given it an A-.And a handbag and necklace would bring it up to an A BUt due to lack of value for the ask price, I have to give it a B+. The + is for the quality in construction and detail on part of the dress, as well as the chic sandals that are a break from the usual AG "footfare".
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 27, 2015 9:58:52 GMT -5
I can see why this outfit has not gone on sale, and it deserves all of the rave reviews it has gotten in this section. I wanted it the instant I saw it, but held off because I wanted to collect Isabelle's Mix and match collection as that was LE (turns out I had plenty of time to have gotten Isabelle's things and saved money too.) This set came out during the June (?) release and has been going strong without getting discounted yet. I picked it up at the $10 off $50 in store deal, pairing it with another item.
It would look teriffic on any of my modern dolls, and I'm in a quandry as to who gets it. The skirt and shoes are the standout of the ensemble. I can come up with a number of tops that showcase that deep peach skirt beautifully. And the shoes are already a favorite and will add pizzazz to any number of outfits. Give them both A+s. The tee shirt--nothing special. Just your usual AG tee shirt with a Coconut graphic and I could substitute a slew of other shirts without taking anything away from the look and even improving it. Throw it in with my AG tee shirts and in a couple of years I won't remember what set this one came with. So a solid B for it. nothing wrong with it, but nothing special and To have made this an A+ outfit, AG needed, IMO to come up with something a little more creative in this piece.
I love it when AG throws in a barette or hairband with a wardrobe set, so I give this ensemble points for the two little plastic bow shaped barrettes included. To avoid being too matched, the bows are differntly colored, one raspberry and one lilac in color. Again, does little to enhance the outfi. Gold or mango or lime or turquoise would have been better choices, IMO, but oh well. AG doesn't do badly when it mixes it up with the accent color (unlike OG that crosses the line badly, IMO, in this regard,ugh)
I give the set an A. nearly gave it an A- but the whole look is very pretty, and AG did hit a homerun with the target crowd with this outfit that has made its sales objectives well. The skirt and shoes get A+s,
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 27, 2015 9:40:09 GMT -5
I did not intend to buy this set; I picked it up in a hurry instead of the Welcome gifts that I had intended to buy, and I think this is way overpriced for what it is. Even with the approximate $5 off I got with the $10 off $50 deal under which I bought some things. $32 is the set price for this and all it includes is a cloth pursebag with vinyl/leathe strap and closur, fingerless black gloves, a heart shaped "coin purse" that doesn't close and would be ever so easy to make even for someone art challenged like me, a metro pass and lip gloss.
The bag is cute, will look nice with any of Grace's things without being "matchy matchy". Nice color/print choice. Fingerless gloves look so much better than faux gloves for these dolls, and these are cute as can be. COuld use them as boot toppers too. The lip gloss is a thrown in extra. I guess for $32, something else had to be added. Sun glasses would have been nice and a scarf as well for the price and AG still would have made out like a bandit.
Given that AG is selling similar accessory sets for about $6-7 with purses, gloves, sunglasses included, this is a very poor value set. As I stated, I did not mean to pick it up, and am tempted to exchange it for the Welcome Set that I do want to get.
My guess this will be deeply discounted at and after the end of the year, because I cannot imagine many people paying this price for the little one gets and with so much available out there for about a quarter the price. There is absolutely nothing special about this set. Not a thing. I give it a D, though the workmanship of the bag and the gloves are nice; yes, they are cute, but the value for the price is way to low for me to give it a higher grade.
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Post by Jamirae on Mar 27, 2015 9:09:22 GMT -5
I just bought this outfit and like all of Grace's wardroble, love it. A bit pricey, I think, but I got it at about $5 off during the $10 off $50 sale, and feel that is a fair price for it.
The apron, IMO, is the mainstay of the this outfit. It's adorable, and certainly can be used as a stand alone jumper or even sundress. For those with children getting the outfit, some help might be needed to put it on the doll. If you unstrap it and pull them over her head, it's easy going, but if you just try to pull them over the doll's arms as I did, it's a tight fit, though it works. The apron alone makes this set, as it is an unusual one with an adorable back design that can even be worn as a front if the skirt theme doesn't bother you, for a whole other look. With its slightly flatred skirt and lots of detailing, this is an exquisite wardrobe piece and I give it an A+. I originally questioned AG's design of this, as it's neither apron nor jumper, but now having it right here, I can see that it's both and either. Fabric and workmanship top grade.
The leggings are...well, just leggings. One loose thread there,but the fabric used is thick. These are definitely leggings and not tights. They can be pulled down nearly to the ankles or pushed up as capris. The fabric quality is very good. Versatile, basic piece, and I give it an A, withholding the "plus" only because there really isn't anything special or unusual about it.
The 3/4 sleeve lengthed tee is a bit of a tight fit, to my surprise, since my model, Lindsay, is not one of my hefty girls. But it looks great, once its on the doll. Love the color and the print is cute. AG has made a number of tees in that shade of aqua, so the print was needed, IMO in order for it to be a standout piece. I give it an A as it is everything it should be and a bit more, but a little on the tight side for doll fit.
The shoes do tie the outfit togeter,but are nothing special. Just ballet flats in aqua with a tiny black bow on them. Look like some of the Bitty shoes I have. So it's a yawn and a B for me. They do fit the doll well.
The ribbon is a nice extra,and an extra it should have, at its $34 ask price. noting at all special about it. Can get those anywhere, I see them in packs at CVS all of the time, but this is a good fit for an AG doll's head and it makes for a nice finish to the outfit so I give it a B and appreciate that it was added to the set. It itself that's all it worth in a grade, but I would give a bump up since at least it was included.
The entire set is an "A" grade, IMO. It's a definite cut above the usual MyAG outfits. The apron is a standout, and it's as cute as can be on just about every doll. It will go to Grace, if I do end up getting her, but all of my modern dolls would look adorable in it.
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 24, 2015 19:01:49 GMT -5
Can't beat MsNotorious's review. I do love this dress. Bought it as soon as I could. As shown by the above reviews, Samantha isn't the only contender for it. It one of those special AG outfits that looks great on everyone. It also makes for a lovely modern dress, much like the Laura Ashley dresses.
The green/pink combo is luscious. The shade of pink for the ribbons is just right. Head band a bit tight. Comes a bit wrinkled as does the dress, but a bit of steam always fixes that. Maybe a bit short for Samantha, but really it works, I think. Love the big bows. The stockings are a pretty soft white and nice texture. The shoes are an A+++. They are just right for Samantha's new Meet outfit as shown on the book cover. I was disappointed that the actual shoes were black MaryJanes when I bought that meet outfit and am delighted to now have shoes to go with that dress too.
I give this outfit an A+. It already is an all time AG favorite, and I'm delighted that the BF fare has such an outfit.
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 24, 2015 8:10:37 GMT -5
One of my few full priced purchases from AG. Had to get this dress. All three pieces are wonderful. Agree that it's a little tight--I'd have liked it looser fitting. The heftier dolls will have trouble getting the back to close, and I also wish that AG had used the gentler velcro. The shoes are the lovelies dress shoes that I've seen for the dolls in a long time, maybe ever.
I think the dress looks better on the dols medium or dark vinyl. My Stefanie (26) gets this and it looks like it was made for her. With cream tights and a little OG cream colored Jacket, this will be the main part of her spring dressy outfit. I, too, give this a solid A.
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Post by Jamirae on Feb 23, 2015 17:09:32 GMT -5
I, too, bought this set at half price. I'd always puzzled over it being a camp outfit, given the knit and sparkles, hardly anything that would be recommended for camping. So I basically took the outfit apart since there are a lot of pieces.
The top would make a nice sweater top with the winter PWP black skirt and other dressy skirts and pants even. I'm covering the orange strap with silver or lavender ribbon. The orange belt makes a nice piece to use with other outfits as well. Could always use another belt Same with the shorts,can alway use another of those. Plenty of tee shirts to wear with it.
A bit annoyed at self for buying similar pink fringe boots from OG, so that I now have two sets of similar boots that I don't care much for. I'll find some use for them.
I would never have bought this full price, and hesitated even at half, as that shade of lavender is just not a color I like. Not sure who will end up with the top as a result I think a gray eyed doll would look best in that color, like a modernized Ruthie which I don't have.
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Post by Jamirae on Jan 6, 2015 11:30:27 GMT -5
I ordered several of these minis from Amazon, and I am really happy with Mini Grace. I'm beginning to get more accustomed to the BF minis, particularly the Josefina mold dolls, though I still think the necks are way too long. I am having a lot of fun with my mini Grace and heartily recommend her, especially at the $15 range that Amazon has been charging. Mine came with a nice head of hair. I worked with the bangs a bit to give it more of an angled side swept look which makes her look even more like the big Grace. Love the subtle freckles on this doll. I felt like the braid was a bit much on Grace with the side swept bangs, but it really looks cut on her and so I've left it. The braid is a bit shorter than the rest of her hair so it might just blend in length wise with the other ends if I do let it loose. She has been the most reviewed mini I've seen. Some board members have reviewed them on their blogs and snickerdoodlestreet.blogspot.com/2015/01/review-mini-goty-2015-grace-thomas.html not only reviews mini Grace but has loads of possibilities for her. That the new minis have the vinyl bodies, makes them less like the big dolls,and not a change I welcomed, but it does make it easier to get her into Barbie, souvenir and other outfits that I tuck and stretch for my minis. I wish that AG had made her outfit two pieced even though it would have made it a bit bulkier. The slimmer waist of the BF mini would have made this not such a big deal and would have added a lot more versatility to her wardrobe. I may try to separate the shirt from the skirt. the skirt is no big deal--looks like a strip of flannel though it is not, and would be easy to make from a strip of flannel and bit of ribbon, but the tee could make for some nice mix and match. The shoes are adorable. I've loved all of the GOTY minis' footwear thus far. Makes up for the lack lustre shoes that some of the BF minis sport (Samantha, in particular) I give her a sold A. The neck (which is what all the BF minis have) that is too long, I 'm not holding against her as it's now the norm. The outfit is what keeps her from getting the A+.
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Post by Jamirae on Dec 28, 2014 21:17:14 GMT -5
I felt this was an excellent deal for the holiday season. My sweater fit snugly but well on my 25, Cara. May be too snug for the chubbier dolls. I removed the bow from the sweater very carefully and use a small safety pin to add it if I so choose. The black skirt is versatile as can be and the color of berry is wonderfully versatile for mix and match as well. With a little tuck and folding, it can display as a cardigan as well. At this price, it makes for a nice group outfit for those who want multiple dolls dressing alike. The hairband is easier to use than many AG bands on pricier outfits. I give the outfit a solid A in terms of value.
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Post by Jamirae on Dec 28, 2014 19:56:07 GMT -5
I wasn't going to get this outfit but at half price, I could not resist. It's not going to my mother's Samantha, however. As others have noted, this dress looks like it's made for Rebecca, fancy shoes and all. I was pleasantly surprised to find it a lovely, though tight fitting outfit.
I am not a fan of the color lavender at all, and the lilac ribbons (and shoes) give the dress that color effect. My one wish about this dress is that I wish the ribbon around it were not sewn on so that other colors, such as white, pinks, burgundies, black, gray could be substituted. I may pick out the ribbon and resew the seams so that the dress is more so versatile. Had that been doable, the dress would have gotten an A+ from me. It's not as pretty a dress, IMO as Sam's meet dress, and is redundant in her new scant collection, but it is definitely a very nice wardrobe piece and the shoes make it unusual.
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Post by Jamirae on Nov 1, 2014 23:08:12 GMT -5
I love this dress. Broke down and bought it new, instead of waiting for it to go on sale. It think it's so dress and sparkly that it makes a lot of the holiday and party dresses look drab. I think the angled over skirt that allows the tulle to show more is a very nice touch.
It's really a very generic sleeveless dress. The pattern has been used so many times with so many dresses. It's the color, the fabric, the layers, the sparkles, the tulle that make this dress.
I like the blue eyed dolls and the lighter complexioned doll the best in this dress as is, but if one adds a necklace to it, the dark complexioned dolls are equally stunning if not more so. I put 47 in it with such a necklace and she may end up keeping the dress when I'd intended it for my dark blue eyed custom. Hair in a bun with some sparkle pins , and she's gorgeous.
Great shoes too. I think the hair band could have been more versatile with some diamonds studding it, but some sticker "gems" takes care of that nicely as would wrapping some silver twine or very thin ribbon. The dark blue gets lost in very dark hair.
I think this is AG's best holiday dress. My personal favorite and I give it an A grade. Yes, it's pricey, and if it had included some special tights and added some silver or diamond to the hair band, I'd have given it an A+.
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Post by Jamirae on Oct 16, 2014 11:52:55 GMT -5
I hesitated to start this because I don't have pictures. Greenchile may help me in this regard this month (hint, hint Colette?). But till then, this will just be a written narrative. I did not buy last year's set at all though I got the shrug from someone who did not want it, and the year before, the black velvet jacket, went for a pittance of $9, it was so over stocked. Got it on sale, bought a couple of them, love it and wonder why it didn't sell well.
This year the Holiday Accessories are comprised of a faux fur vest in a black, dark char-gray( yes, black, couldn't get it to show up navy in any light and brushing against the nap makes it true black in color). The vest is short, right to the doll's waist line but not as short as bolero or cropped in length. It has no front closures and is cut to show a curved v neck line. It is lined in black. It has capped sleeves attached in the same fabric that the deep blue Happy Holiday Dress has. I thought this would severely limit the vest to that dress, but those sleeves can very easily just be folded in so that they do not show and the vest be used without that bit showing. So those cap sleeves do not limit you to that dress. I'm not into these faux fur vests, but they are the style with the young girls. This is a very nice one and versatile. I daresay it could be worn with the other holiday dress, the Silver Shimmer dress as well as the Happy Holiday one. Just tuck in the cap sleeves.
The bracelet is a chunky look one. I'm sure you can find something similar or make one if you are into the jewelry crafting, but it is bigger in circumferance than Dollar Shop stretch rings, and is a very notable piece IMO. All "diamond" and large scale. The candy box has a shiny red top with "* American Girl" in gold on it and gold ribbon and bow with a gold bottom. Nice contrast to the two holiday dresses and will match the Holiday Special gown from what I have gathered. The "chocolates" are glued to the box so no taking a piece or even taking out the whole batch from the box. Suits me just fine, but those who like separate pieces, do take note.
The ornament is very sturdy. It's not just a glass ornament. It's made of heavy duty plastic, and the two halves of the ball are clearly glued together and the line is unattractively obvious. IMO it detracts from the prettiness of the ornament, but you are not likely to get breakage, which is probably the reason why this is done.. Glitter is loose inside the ball iwth a snowflake and some glitter painted on it. Other than the glitter and the bow, it's all plastic including the silver "stem" . Ordinary dark blue ribbon in a bow with 2014 American Girl printed on the ribbon.Anyone crafty can do a lot better than this, but probably not without sacrificing child safety. That ornament is sealed, glued tight. It would take a lot to break it. I was disappointed because I wanted something daintier and that glue line is just too "there" for me.
It's $32, with $2 for it to be in a gift box. I got mine without that extra. I would have likely waited till after the holidays to have bought it in hopes of a price reduction, but with a $10 off $100 coupon and a discounted gift card, I bought this and the matching holiday dress along with Bitty's Teal Tidings dress right at release this year, and am going to really enjoy them I think the accessory set is priced right given the cost of that black velvet jacket in 2012 that only had a plastic Nutcracker, a watch and paper tickets and was also priced at $32. The ornament is far nicer than the felt do-dads from last year's accessories that were priced at $28, candy box is much nicer than that wrapped gift and the vest is far more usable, even with jeans. I think $30 would have been a better price point. I give it an A- due to the poor workmanship of that ornament that could have been a pretty heirloom piece even made of plastic but looks more like a gumball container.
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Post by Jamirae on Sept 9, 2014 19:59:39 GMT -5
Never liked this dress, never thought I'd buy it. But it let me hit the sweet spot of $100 to get that $20 off and $8.95 shipping to boot, so for under $20, I threw it in my virtual cart.
And I like the dress. Fabric is thin and it came wrinkly and it has odd little puckers and pulls and twists. But the color is a deeper lilac, almost violet, that was unexpected from the stock pictures and what I perceived at the store in that lighting. It's a color that my Mirielle Grace, MG wears well and actually it makes for a very adaptable outfit for any number of my dolls Light enough to throw a cardigan, light jacket or one of those short bolero like tops over it, and yet roomy enough to layer with a long sleeved tee or turtleneck underneath, like the new $28 school stripes dress should have been made to do. The PRetty in Plaid tee would add another color and Julie's turtleneck would go quite well under there. Have to look for some other long and three quarter sleeved tees and turtle necks that can work with this dress Add leggings and we're good to go for the fall and winter.
Not crazy about the light lilac colored boots, but I'm sure I'll find some use for them I can always use a stretchy hair band, and that it's pink brings out the butterfly applicque in the dress, not mention being a mix and match piece.
So overall, I'm pleased with this dress that does have a bit of style added to what would have been a simple tee knit dress. I wouldn't have bought it at its original price but being on sale and with the coupons on top of the sale, I think it was very good deal and my dolls will be getting some good wear out of this.
At $30 this dress was way over priced, IMO, should have had leggings and tee to be of good value, or shown what mix and match could be done with it,sicne it's just too simplistic for that price even if it did include boots. Some snazzy shoes like the School stripes dress would have done this better too. It's just too plain. I can see why it did not sell. But it's plain enough to add a lot to it, and yet has some style and flare to it. At $20 it's a good deal, construction and fabric quality are good, better than the OG dresses I've been buying. So at the original price I give it a D grade, at $20, I was thinking of upgrading to a C, but upon looking at the versatility, and yes, MG looks great in the dress, I'm going to give it a B+. It doesn't show well, so my guess is that it will be discounted further, but I'm happy with the deal I got on it.
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Post by Jamirae on Sept 8, 2014 7:53:31 GMT -5
The changes to the mini's face molds took me aback as I've been used to the painted eyed minis and any changes to them over time has been subtle. Though I can differentiate the different time periods and changes, it's not something one notices casually. This change with Beforever, you can't really miss.
I'm trying to look at this doll without comparing her with the older versions. She is a pretty doll in her own right. The bangs, though are thinner and more scraggily than the 18 inch version are not going to difficult to maintain. She has lovely distinct eyes and AG did do some detail work to give those eyes and her expression some depth. The coloring is lovely and the outfit is spot on. I did not find the change to a vinyl body to be an issue, though I do get a pang that my dollies are not going to get the soft bodies in their AG dolls.
I wish that the change had made the classic mold minis have rounder faces. This doll definitely is more oval faced and has more of a receded chin than the 18 inch dolls. A main purpose of the minis is to look as much like their 18 inch counterparts, and this does hit you right away that the face mold is not the same round shape The simplicity, symmetry and roundness of the classic face mold is a hall mark of these AG dolls, and whoever designed these minis did not stick to this. That is my main complaint about these minis.
Now to compare them to the older versions: The face shape as I mentioned is oval rather than round, like the glass eyed minis which is what these remind me of except for the eyes being painted on, in terms of looks. Mini Sam's bangs are straight and skimply. I think the older minis had bang problems anyways, but AG should have gone a bit fuller with this doll's. I don't get how with them being affiliated with Mattel, they can't get these bangs right as they do have a lot cheaper dolls out there that do just that. Also, the "root holes" around the face are terribly prominent, something I dislike. The older dolls' were more discrete. I suspect there is less hair as well, but it looks good, and looks like Samantha, other than those bangs.
The new minis are taller and their arms are noticeably longer.
Though a pretty doll in her own right, with past prototypes to use, and that this is supposed to be a mini version of a doll, and they want $25 for her, I don't give this a high grade at all. I give it a C-. Body not the same, face shape not as like the new doll, bangs skimpy, root holes too prominent. It hurts that I could not get this doll for $15 as I usually do with the minis. Had she been an improvement, I 'd have bought a second set from AG, but I'll wait it out and hope to get the second set of dolls at discount at other venues in time.
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Post by Jamirae on Sept 5, 2014 21:20:49 GMT -5
I don't have a Samantha, but I wanted this dress for one of my dolls, not yet decided which one. My mother did not want it for her PC Samantha, did not feel it looked "right" on her, and without putting it on her, I agree. She has a substantial looking Sam that just seems to look right in the older Sam outfits, not this light and airy dress.
But it's a very pretty dress that would look wonderful on a number of dolls. The pink is a lovely shade. I agree that shoes like Rebecca's new meet shoes in burgundy would have looked much better. I am disappointed in these shoes that I feel are only a little better than the old vinyl basics that Sam originally got. There should have been a buckle or a something on the strap. They did not have velcro back then, I'm sure. I'm glad the sash is velvet and burgundy, and the tights/ bloomers are fine.
I give this a B. I wish it were more substantial, more fabric, and I wish that the shoes were better. It's cute, I like it, but it's on the "light" side and wanted something that screamed quality and substance. Is it worth $36? Clearly, it was for me as I paid that. But I think it is pricey even if the hair ribbon were included. I don't think it is as nice as a number of AG outfits that are priced at that range, an example being the Brocade Holiday dress from last year (that did NOT sell out at $36). That dress looked more luxurious, and included a hair accessory more intricate than ribbons, tights, and better shoes as well as a charm for the same price. The bloomers that the meet outfit includes doesn't make up the gap. But this new meet outfit is going to be an iconic piece, IMO , and I really wanted it in my collection.
That has the colors it does makes a lot of the accessories that the new Samantha collection has go well with it. Samantha's old meet accessories look great with it as well, as do the accessories and pinafore of her old Birthday outfit.
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